Mojtaba Khamenei's Succession Crisis Amidst Iran-Israel Tensions and Shiite Cleric Influence in Qom and Najaf
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Mojtaba's Incomplete Coronation: Rebellion Brews in Qom Against New Iran Leader
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News18•18-03-2026, 15:38
Mojtaba's Incomplete Coronation: Rebellion Brews in Qom Against New Iran Leader
•Mojtaba Khamenei's overnight selection as Iran's third Supreme Leader is termed an 'incomplete coronation' in diplomatic circles.
•A rebellion is igniting in the holy city of Qom, with Shia Islam's greatest religious leaders objecting to Mojtaba's legitimacy.
•Religious authorities, including Ayatollah Ali Sistani and Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani, have expressed disagreement by not welcoming Mojtaba or refusing personal recognition.
•Mojtaba is called an 'Ayatollah', but prominent Shia figures do not consider him worthy of the 'Mujtahid' rank required by the constitution.
•The current situation mirrors 1989, when Ali Khamenei's election was also deemed 'technically weak' by religious leaders.
